spermatophore
/ˈspəːmətə(ʊ)fɔː
/ /spəˈmatə(ʊ)fɔː/noun Zoology
A protein capsule containing a mass of spermatozoa, transferred during mating in various insects, arthropods, cephalopod molluscs, etc.A male produces spermatophores that it transfers to the female's genital pore by means of a specialized arm or tentacle....
- Shortly after she stops feeding on the gland, the female reaches back, removes the spermatophore, and eats it, thus preventing the transfer of any remaining sperm.
- However, collaborative females had difficulties mounting males, taking spermatophores and/or ovipositing.